Empanada
A unique handmade delicacy that is made in different choices of delicious flavors. Empanadas are known as one of the most practical finger foods and are enjoyed by people throughout Latin America and Europe. These small pot pies are oven-baked with a variety of fillings.

Here is one example of many you can make:

Ingredients
Shell
2 cups flour
2 tbs sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1/2 tbs salt
1/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup ice water

Filling
3 medium-sized onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbs vegetable oil
2 tomatoes, peeled
3 cups cooked beef, chopped
1/2 cup beef stock
1/4 cup raisins
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp ground cumin
salt and pepper to taste

Preparation
Shell

• Sift together flour, sugar, egg, baking powder and salt. Cut the shortening into the flour as though you were making a pie crust by working it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Sprinkle dough with just enough ice water so that it will hold together. Knead together briefly and allow to rest, covered about 10 minutes.
• Roll dough out on a lightly floured board to circles about 4 1/2 inches in diameter.
• Place a spoonful of empanada filling of your choice on one side of the circle. Moisten the edges of the circle with a small amount of water and fold the dough over the filling to make a half circle.
• Press the edges together to seal. Bake at 375 degrees for 15- 20 minutes.

Filling

• Saute onions and garlic in hot oil until translucent.
• Add meat, sauté 5 more minutes. Stir in tomatoes,
  stock and remaining ingredients.
• Simmer 30 minutes.